Purple ribbons are being worn throughout the Saint Louis University campus in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Week held this year from Feb. 23 to 28. Events and speakers throughout the week are sponsored by S.H.A.P.E. (Sexual Health and Alcohol Peer Education).

Members of S.H.A.P.E. have been distributing the purple ribbons and statistic sheets in an effort to educate the SLU community on the facts concerning sexual assault.

For example, 2.8 percent of college women experience a rape or attempted rape in one academic year.

When applied to the SLU population, this means that approximately 110 of the female students will experience this trauma.

‘We want to make everyone aware that sexual assault does occur and that we can work to prevent it by advocating a stop to aggression,’ said Natalie Pequignot, president of S.H.A.P.E. ‘We need to make our campus safer.’

Pequignot emphasized that not all sexual assault cases are reported. Statistically, only 16 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are reported to the police.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Todd Denny, a guest speaker, focused on violence on a range of groups, including women, minorities and homosexuals.

Through his use of music and interactive participation with the small audience, Denny sent a clear message: Education is key in ending all types of violence and abuse. He noted that some groups are particularly prime targets for sexual aggression.

First-year female students are often victims of this type of aggression, due to the stress of trying to adjust to a new environment, making new friends and being in situations involving alcohol.

Denny noted that there are three things students can do on their campuses to end violence: Educate others, work on communication and take a stance against violence.

‘College campuses are optimal places for sexual assault,’ Denny said. ‘One in three women in the world will be raped or abused according to a study by the Harvard Medical School.’

Other events during the week include another seminar led by Denny, focusing on ending male violence and a discussion involving survivors of sexual assault.